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The existing 12 clubs have received a £500,000 cash injection following the expansion, with organisers also pledging to cover the cost of travel to South Africa

Rugby Players Ireland believe that player welfare issues have been sorted out for the four provinces in terms of travel following the addition of two South African clubs, the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, to the championship.

(Image: INPHO/Billy Stickland)

Rounds 1-13 will be confirmed next week after the championship's broadcast partners have made their selections for live television broadcasts and the clubs have been consulted.

"In order to provide travelling teams to South Africa with the best possible preparation, games will be fixed for Saturdays," state the tournament organisers.

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"This will allow visiting teams to have a seven-day turnaround leading into these fixtures including five 'clean days' that do not involve any travel.

"Flights between Europe and South Africa are overnight which will allow players to rest during the journey while training facilities and accommodation venues are up to the standards expected in Super Rugby.